Adventures at home and abroad

Not strictly travel, but we had such a great time at Celtic Connections this year that I felt I had to document it. We were there for the opening night concert on 16th January, the very last concert (Transatlantic Sessions) on 2nd February and another five in between, of which John got good pictures of two.

Olive Grove Records Showcase

This gig was at Oran Mor, our local venue – a converted church. It has to win the prize as best value for money – a tenner for six bands over five hours. Quite sore on the old feet though. I’m particularly interested in the State Broadcasters because I used to work with two of the members, Graeme and Pete, and it’s lovely to see them up on stage.

Oran Mor

Randolph’s Leap

Randolph’s Leap

Randolph’s Leap

Randolph’s Leap

Randolph’s Leap

Randolph’s Leap

Call to Mind

Call to Mind

Jo Mango

Jo Mango

Jo Mango

Jo Mango

Graeme Black, State Broadcasters

State Broadcasters

Pete MacDonald, State Broadcasters

State Broadcasters

The Moth & the Mirror

The Moth & the Mirror

The Moth & the Mirror

The Moth & the Mirror

Woodenbox

Woodenbox

Imelda May

This was one of three gigs we went to in the Old Fruitmarket – which is exactly what the name suggests, a former market in which you can still read the names of the old stallholders beneath the balcony. We’ve now seen Imelda three times and she never disappoints – vibrant and full of energy.

The band

Imelda May / Steve Rushton

Imelda May

Darrel Higham

Al Gare

Dave Priseman

Imelda May / Steve Rushton

Imelda May and Al Gare

Imelda May and Al Gare

The other gigs not mentioned were Capercaillie’s 30th anniversary concert, Julie Fowlis, and Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott. There’s a lovely sense of community between the artists, many of whom appear on other people’s stages, sometimes unbilled. For example, we saw Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis four times – once at her own gig, she was part of the ensembles at the opening concert and Transatlantic Sessions, and she also appeared as a guest with Capercaillie. One busy lady!

So that’s it over for another year. Not only are we now exhausted, but our waistlines have expanded because of all the pre-theatres that were “necessary”. It’s definitely time for a quiet life and a bit of recovery.